Inside the World War One village inspired by America that’s hiding in a UK city
BIRMINGHAM has a reputation for being a former industrial powerhouse, but the city is also home to a charming village that’s like stepping back in time.
While most holidaymakers to Birmingham rarely step foot outside the city centre, there are plenty of other areas that deserve some attention.
Located in south Birmingham, the Austin Village is a residential area with a deep sense of history.
The village was named after Lord Herbert Austin, a farmer’s son from Little Missenden in Buckinghamshire who founded the Austin Motor Company.
It was founded in 1917 by the Austin Motor Company to provide housing for its growing munitions workforce during World War One after Lord Herbert Austin was concerned about the long commute his employees faced.
After a private transport route to the factory was scrapped because of petrol prices, hundreds of cedarwood bungalows were imported from America to house Austin employees.
Built in less than a year, the Austin Village was home to around 2,000 factory workers, many of which were women, with an average of seven employees living in each bungalow.
Forty years after the village was first built, it was recognised as a permanent fixture in the Birmingham landscape.
The Austin Village Preservation Society formed in 1990, to promote a sense of neighbourhood spirit, with the village receiving conservation status seven years later in 1997.
According to the Austin Village website, a total of 200 prefabricated American-made cedarwood bungalows remain in the area to this day.
While not strictly inspired by America, the residential area has been likened to an English rural village and the American Midwest.
The Austin Village is located just a 10-minute walk from Longbridge Train Station, where a direct service runs from Birmingham New Street Station.
Guided walking tours of the village are routinely organised by Birmingham Heritage Week, with dates for this year set to be announced.
On the 90-minute walking tour, visitors will learn about the history of the Birmingham village, including its development and survival.
The tour is free but advanced booking is recommended.
While visitors are welcome to visit the WWI village, they’re also reminded to respect the privacy of any residents.
Resident Hazel Griffiths recently told the Express: “I don’t intend to move any time soon. That’s what most people here do. They love it.
“It’s green. It can be quiet. It’s calm. There’s always someone about. It’s an oasis on the edge of the city.”
The Austin Village isn’t the only part of Birmingham that’s like stepping into another time period as there’s also Bournville.
The model village was founded by George and Richard Cadbury, the sons of John Cadbury.
When the chocolate company’s production moved to Bournville, the Cadbury family built hundreds of chocolate-box houses, so their employees had somewhere safe to live.
Because of its Quaker heritage, there are no pubs in Bournville, so those residents, and tourists, who fancy a swift drink need to visit boozers in other parts of Birmingham, like Selly Oak and Stirchley.
An insider's guide to Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM is often overlooked as a staycation destination, but it's actually filled with plenty of wonderful hidden gems.
As a proud Brummie, I know exactly where holidaymakers should go to experience the city like a local.
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
One of my favourite haunts is the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, part of which recently reopened to the public following a huge renovation. Head to the museum to get your fill of Pre-Raphaelite Art.
Birmingham Back to Backs
If art isn’t your thing then head across the city centre to the Birmingham Back to Backs. The tiny brick courtyard is hidden behind the Hippodrome and has recently been named the UK’s best hidden gem attraction.
I visited the city centre attraction over the Easter holidays and it was easy to remember why the tiny terraced houses are loved by visitors. The houses, which were largely used by working class families, easily transport visitors back to the 1930s.
From the faux wallpaper to the tins of custard, the devil certainly is in the detail. And I can’t rave about the National Trust property without mentioning my tour guide John who gave the old buildings a deep sense of life.
Cadbury World
Would I be a Brummie if I didn’t mention on about Cadbury World? Probably not.
Earlier this year, the Bournville attraction welcomed its first new ride in 27 years. I was one of the first people to try Cadbury Chocolate Quest, and it was yet another hit.
My family and I couldn’t stop laughing as we fired our laser guns at interactive screens. Our endeavours to shoot at ingredients were justly rewarded when we were presented with a bar of dairy milk as we disembarked.
You can read more about my Birmingham recommendations, here.
Another area in Birmingham is also set for big things, as Moseley Road Baths is set to reopen following a £15.5million renovation project.
Meanwhile, I’ve also revealed the best of Birmingham’s hidden gems – including a secret garden and the UK’s best curry.